WASHINGTON -- The new Congressional Tea Party Caucus picked up its first Alabama member when Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, announced Tuesday on a social media website that he has joined the group.

The caucus, one of several loose affiliations of House members who share a policy or issue position, was created last month by Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn. Aderholt, running unopposed for an eighth term in the U.S. House, was part of the caucus' first meeting in late July.

"I really think most Alabamians would agree with the overall philosophy and especially most Republicans agree with it," Aderholt said Tuesday in an interview on his way from Washington to Alabama for the August recess.

He said he supports the tea partiers' focus on lower taxes, smaller government and fiscal responsibility.

Bachmann formed the caucus -- which started with 24 members and is now up to 51 -- to give tea party activists an audience in Congress, she said at the time. Aderholt agreed that the congressional caucus is not meant to speak for or lead the movement that has stoked an anti-incumbent fervor across the country.

"It is a respect for freedom and fiscal responsibility, not more government, that will keep our nation in line with the values of the Constitution and the founding fathers," Aderholt posted. "Fortunately, I believe that the Tea Party message will make an impact this November at the polls, and our values will be preserved."

Aderholt said his voting record is in line with tea partiers' values, such as his opposition to the financial bailout bills in 2008, the economic stimulus bill and the health care overhaul.

But Aderholt also is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and an avid earmarker to finance projects back in his district with federal money.

"I know some in the tea party are against all earmarks. It's really a big tent sort of movement in that sense," Aderholt said.